Is it too much to ask...

[Slater]

... for me to install a deadbolt on my room's door?

I always thought that it was just kinda kreepy when some of my friends would install a deadbolt/padlock on their door to keep people out when they lived with their parents. However, I'm wondering whether or not I should do the same. Even though my door already has a lock, it's easily bypassable with something like a pen's inkwell or a paper clip. Often my sister barges into my room when the door's locked and bugs the heck out of me. I was ok with that, though it could be highly iritating.

however, today it went to a whole new level. My sister has a friend who's about a year younger than me (I think 19). She comes over a lot and isn't too bad of a person. But today, it was hot in my room and nobody was home. It had been a long day at school and I wanted to take a nap. So, I stripped down, lay down on my bed, and started taking a nap. A couple hours later, I hear voices in my room. Sure enough, my sister had bypassed the lock so that she could come in and take my laptop. So there they were, standing over me and giggling at me while I had absolutly nothing on, and I feel extremely embarassed about it, though I feigned being still asleep when I heard their voices.

I'm wondering, has this gone too far? Should I take greater measures to protect my personal space and privacy?

PS: My sister bypassed my lock and came in here as I was typing this too... very uninvited guest -_-;

[Nate]

Ooh, uh...that is quite an embarassing situation there. o.o;;

If she's being annoying, that's one thing, I think...though she shouldn't do that either. But with something like this, I think a deadbolt isn't unreasonable. That's just kinda messed up, and she shouldn't have let her friend in there. :\ I know I'd put one on my door if that kinda thing happened.

[Roy Mustang]

Or you could change door knob with a better lock on it.

But I think in your case, a deadbolt or padlock would be fine.


Wingzero22

[bigsleepj]

No, I don't think a deadbolt or even moving to a different side of the continent would be too extreme. It's very childish, stupid, dumb thing of them to do.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Holy Moses! That's embarrasing! I feel for you mate. I definetly suggest a dead-bolt, and fast.

[bigsleepj]

To add to my previous thoughts, it would be a good idea to get one as soon as possible considering that they might make a game out of it and come in and giggle at you, even if you have clothes on, at random, unwanted times. Also make sure the deadbolt is tight so that they can't rattle to wake you when you nap.

What did your parents say or didn't you tell them?

[Mr. SmartyPants]

You should first off speak to your sister about this 1 on 1. Telling how you want her to respect her privacy.

[KBMaster]

I don't think it's unreasonable at all. Luckily, I've "trained" my brothers to knock on the door before they enter my room. But it seems like this is gowing into a serious problem, so I would definitely advise you to talk to your parents and/or install the lock.

[aitak]

yeah, i was going to ask, "whatever happened to knocking?" i'm with whoever said you should talk with your sister and let her know how you feel. maybe she'll understand and start showing some respect. (?!) maybe...but i dont see a problem with getting the lock- just tell her why you're getting it cos she needs to learn and she wont learn if you dont tell her. you know what i mean? she needs to learn respect for others.

[Locke]

Might I suggest going geek?

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/78df/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/87dd/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/security/77af/

[HisaishiFan]

I love thinkgeek!

I agree with Mr. Smarty Pants, talking with your sister first is a good idea. She's got a serious lack of respect going on there. I bet she wouldn't think it was so funny if she was the one taking a nap. I don't know if you and she are room mates or are living at home, but before installing the lock you might want to check your lease to make sure it is okay or talk with your parents.

Now, I'm having to get Three Stooges and Scooby Doo door booby-traps out of my head now (no revenge, revenge is bad!)

[Puguni]

I love thinkgeek!

I agree with Mr. Smarty Pants, talking with your sister first is a good idea. She's got a serious lack of respect going on there. I bet she wouldn't think it was so funny if she was the one taking a nap. I don't know if you and she are room mates or are living at home, but before installing the lock you might want to check your lease to make sure it is okay or talk with your parents.

Now, I'm having to get Three Stooges and Scooby Doo door booby-traps out of my head now (no revenge, revenge is bad!)

I also think you should talk to her. Definitely.

After that, put in the lock. XD

[Slater]

oh trust me... I've "talked." I've shouted and I've been physically abusive to get her out of my room when she's not wanted. This even ended up once with me getting stabbed with a screwdriver, which she used to undo my doorknob (that was years ago).

[aitak]

oh my *gasps* does your sister come to the childcare centre where i work?...jk
ok so talking didnt work....lock sounds great!

[Azier the Swordsman]

You really need to get a padlock.

She has no right to bypass your lock and invade your privacy without permission. And you have every right to take more drastic measures since the need has arrisen.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

oh trust me... I've "talked." I've shouted and I've been physically abusive to get her out of my room when she's not wanted. This even ended up once with me getting stabbed with a screwdriver, which she used to undo my doorknob (that was years ago).

Yeah thats the problem. Shouting isn't really a smart or respective way to convince someone to stop bothering you.

Note I said sit with her and have a 1 on 1 chat. Without yelling of course.

[termyt]

Dude, where are your parents in all of this?

I was thinking initially that you shouldn't be able to lock your parents out of your room, but your sister? Definitely.

Ever try puting a chair up against the door?

[soul alive]

Your sister definately has some huge respect and privacy issues, and that is an absolutely horrible situation for her to have put you in. I have a sneaky suspicion that she wouldn't appreciate the same thing being done to her - especially the reverse situation of you and a guy friend standing over her and laughing while she slept; from my experience people who are rude to this extreme to other people freak out to no end when the situation is turned around on them. So in other words, she really isn't taking the implications of her into consideration.

I'm also rather curious about where your parents are in all of this. They should definately be informed about the levels that your sister is taking her invasion of your privacy, especially since she is now involving people outside your family in the situation. Since one on one talks with her are apparently not working, or just dissolve into yelling matches, you might want to ask one or both of your parents to act as an intermediary/mediator and help the two of you lay down some crystal clear rules.

And yes, in the meantime, go buy a padlock, buy a new doorknob with a more secure locking mechanism.

[HisaishiFan]

oh trust me... I've "talked." I've shouted and I've been physically abusive to get her out of my room when she's not wanted. This even ended up once with me getting stabbed with a screwdriver, which she used to undo my doorknob (that was years ago).

Okay, your sister is officially a nutcase. Talk to your parents and install a double bolt.

[GracefulRocker]

My 13 year old brother has a habit of going into my room and taking what ever he wants. Everything from CDs to magazines(why he wants seventeen, I don't know) to my hoodies. Oh, and money. My stuff just kept walking off and ending up in his room.

I had requested a lock before, but my mom said no, on the grounds of "What if there was a fire or soem other emergency, and your door was locked? How could I get to you?" It was a valid point, and she said she'd talk to my brother, so I dropped it.

2 months later, my stuff was disappearing again. This time, he was stealign from her, and even his friedns too. Now he's in therapy, grounded and on lock down indefinitely, and I have a lock on my door. Both my mom and I have a key, and I keep mine with me at all times.